The Mazda CX-9 Is A Picture Of Luxury

With a near-P3 million price tag, seven seats and respectable ground clearance, it's hard to imagine that anyone would consider the Mazda CX-9 to be a vehicle built with fun in mind. Luxurious? For that price, you'd hope so. Roomy? Sure, why not. Practical? Maybe not for most car buyers, but for those who can afford it, it can be. But all that betrays one indisputable fact: The CX-9 is fun. Really fun.

So while it's not as exciting as the rear-wheel-drive MX-5, the CX-9's elements still add up to an unexpectedly enjoyable package. First off, it's one of the few Mazdas in the lineup to have a turbocharger, so you get a sudden kick on top of all the Skyactiv goodness. Add all-wheel drive and G-Vectoring Control to the mix, and you have a responsive and quick midsize SUV that's precise at every turn.

It looks good, too. This all-new version is much sleeker compared to its boxy predecessor. Inside, you're greeted by a leather-clad interior that puts a premium on comfort. Once you go for a drive in the CX-9, mixing slow cruises in between speedy bursts, you realize why people will pay the price for one.

Are you a fan of the all-new CX-9?

This story originally appeared on Topgear.com.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Fhm.com.ph editors.